Osborne Clarke commits to reducing carbon emissions
A LAW firm has committed to targets as part of its net zero strategy.
Osborne Clarke, which has an office in Forbury Road, Reading, announced its decision to submit a near-term target to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in the lead up to Only One Earth World Environment Day, which took place on Sunday, June 5.
The company’s near-term target is to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
The firm has also committed to setting a long-term target within 24 months, and to reach net zero carbon by 2050.
Robert Wood, head of Osborne Clarke’s Thames Valley office, said: “We’re a socially responsible firm that cares about the impact we make in the world.
“Building a sustainable business is something we’ve been passionate about for more than 20 years, and investing in our net zero strategy was the next step in progressing our efforts.
“We’re proud to be one of the first firms to make both near and long-term commitments to deep decarbonisation targets, meeting the needs of our clients, people and communities.”
Having spent the last year undertaking forensic analysis of its sustainability efforts, Osborne Clarke has produced a full carbon emissions baseline and assessed its preparedness for adopting and delivering the carbon reduction commitments.
The firm has also strengthened its sustainability governance structure to support its efforts by establishing a Sustainability Steering Group.
The group is made up of partners and senior leadership and reports to the executive board.
It is responsible for setting the firm’s strategic approach to sustainability and carbon reduction, monitoring and ensuring progress and performance.
Osborne Clarke has also launched the #OCPlanet employee network.
The network has a key role in shaping and delivering the firm’s sustainability and carbon reduction strategy, and represents the interests of employees as a stakeholder group.
The firm has also created a new role and appointed Mary Lavin as a sustainability manager.
Ms Lavin joined Osborne Clarke in 2021 to strengthen the firm’s capability to develop and deliver on its sustainability agenda.
A spokesperson for Osborne Clarke said that being a responsible and ethical business and employer underpins the company’s business strategy.